RET Teaching Module 22: Graphene-Graphite Aluminum Battery (or is it a Capacitor)

Authored by:

Bart Frey
Stark County High School
Illinois

Year in Program:

2017-2018

Designed For:

HS Students

Overview

As society moves from dependence on fossil fuels, and moves towards greener forms of energy, the demand for batteries is increasing at an enormous rate. However, most batteries that are commercially manufactured contain materials that are detrimental to the environment, explosive, made from expensive materials, and/or present a difficulty for disposal. Therefore, constructing a battery from cheap materials that are readily available, recyclable, and are less harmful to the environment is a desired.

Aluminum is the third most abundant material in the Earth’s crust and is exceptionally recyclable. Carbon, the only element in graphene and graphite, is the fourth most abundant element in the universe and also positively addresses the concerns of current battery materials. Recent research with these materials in a battery show a faster charge time than traditional batteries. This research module will give students exposure to current battery research. Students will construct a battery with aluminum, graphene, and graphite. Students will then be able to change some factors to try to improve the battery performance.

After completing this module, student should be able to:

  • Evaluate the performance of a graphene battery by testing longevity, capability, and capacity.
  • Construct a simple DC circuit with a series, parallel, and combination arrangement.
  • Measure and display cell voltages and current.
  • Measure the electrical energy used by an electric motor .
  • Improve battery performance by testing a variety of conditions.

>> Want to learn more? Review all of the materials by downloading the zip file for this module

Included in this Module:

  • Teacher Guide and Manual
  • Student Manual
  • Module Lessons and Videos
    • Battery Contruction - 4 Days of How-to Videos
  • Additional Teacher Resources

Samples of the materials


>> Download the zip file with all content for this module